Solution for Trailer Hitch Install Where Holes Don't Seem to Line Up Properly

Published 11/02/2021

Question:

I bought a hitch over one year ago..2007 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN was unable to install it. U Haul wants $80/ hour to do it. Read instructions 20 times. took off tires for more clearance. still no success. is there a solution? do I need to disconnect the springs? what to do? read instruction a dozen times. cant get the hitch to align.

asked by: Carl Y

Expert Reply:

It's not uncommon for hitches to get bent in shipping which makes the mounting holes not line up as easily as they should. So if the holes are off only by a little bit what you can do is start all of the bolts loose and then torque them down and you'll be good. But if they are off by a significant amount you'll need to use some leverage to bend the hitch back in place so that the holes line up. Some people will use open stairwells for leverage or vices, or jacks...

As long as paint doesn't crease or flake during this you'd be fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C